System and Method for Interchanging Footwear Uppers

ABSTRACT

A system and method for interchanging footwear uppers provide a shoe body that is manually divisible between a sole portion and one or more interchangeable upper portions. One or more upper portion utilize a hook and loop fastening mechanism to detachably mate with a single sole portion. The system comprises a hook panel having multiple hooks, such as those found on Velcro™. The hook panel overlays a top face of the sole portion, with the hooks facing outwardly. The system also provides a loop panel comprising multiple small loops, from the same hook and loop fastener. The loop panel overlays a lasting panel from the upper portions. The hook panel and the loop panel detachably and temporarily mate to create a detachable mating relationship between the upper portions and a single sole portion. Consequently, multiple upper portions can be interchanged on a single, reusable sole portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for interchanging footwear uppers on a shoe body. More so, the present invention relates to a system of footwear that provides a shoe body manually divisible between a sole portion and one or more interchangeable upper portions that detachably mate with the sole portion through a hook and loop fastening mechanism, whereby multiple upper portions can be interchanged on a single, reusable sole portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, shoes are designed to protect and comfort the human foot. Shoes are also used as an item of decoration and fashion. The design of shoes has varied enormously through time and from culture to culture, with appearance originally being tied to function. People who enjoy the newest styles of footwear are cognizant that the costs associated with keeping up with new trends and styles. Such people cannot afford to maintain a robust wardrobe, because fashion trends and changes may exceed one's financial capabilities.

As living quality improves, more and more function of shoes is manufactured. Most of people wear shoes which are one-piece structure. The sole of shoes are worn out and the upper are broken after a long period of time. Consequently, people are forced to throw away the entire pair of broken shoes, and buy a new pair of shoes. This causes unnecessary waste.

It is also known in the art that there are many kinds of detachable shoes in the current market. However, the structure of shoes is complicated, the sole and upper portions are not easy assemble together. Therefore, a new idea and technique to improve the shoes in order to avoid the material waste and easy change the sole or upper of the shoes depends on people's preference is needed.

Other proposals have involved interchangeable footwear systems. The problem with these footwear systems is that they do not allow the user to easily remove the entire upper portion from the sole. Also, the hook and loop fastening means is not used to create a temporary mating relationship between the uppers and the sole. Even though the above cited interchangeable footwear systems meets some of the needs of the market, a system and method for interchanging footwear uppers on a shoe body that provides a shoe body manually divisible between a sole portion and one or more interchangeable upper portions that detachably mate with the sole portion through a hook and loop fastening mechanism, whereby multiple upper portions can be interchanged on a single, reusable sole portion, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a system and method for interchanging footwear uppers on a shoe body. The system and method provide a shoe body that is manually divisible between a sole portion and one or more interchangeable upper portions. One or more upper portion utilize a hook and loop fastening mechanism to detachably mate with a single sole portion. This allows for fresh designs and reusability of footwear since new uppers can be detachably affixed to the soles at any time.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a hook panel comprising multiple hooks, from a hook and loop fastener mechanism, i.e., Velcro™. The hook panel overlays a top face of the sole portion, such that the hooks face outwardly. The system also provides a loop panel comprising a plurality of small loops, from the same hook and loop fastener mechanism. The loop panel overlays a lasting panel from the upper portions. The hook panel and the loop panel detachably and temporarily mate to create a detachable mating relationship between one or more upper portions and a single sole portion. In this manner, multiple upper portions can be interchanged on a single, reusable sole portion.

In one aspect, a system for interchanging footwear uppers, comprises:

-   -   one or more upper portions comprising a lasting panel, a toe         box, a vamp, and a quarter;     -   a loop panel defined by a loop face and an opposing upper mount         face,     -   the loop face comprising a plurality of loops,     -   the upper mount face being joined with the lasting panel of the         upper portions in an affixed, parallel relationship;     -   a sole portion comprising an outsole and a midsole; and     -   a hook panel defined by a hook face and an opposing sole mount         face,     -   the hook face comprising a plurality of hooks, the hooks being         sized and dimensioned to removably catch in the loops of the         loop face, whereby the hook face and the loop face temporarily         mate,     -   the sole mount face being joined with the midsole of the sole         portion in an affixed, parallel relationship,     -   whereby multiple upper portions detachably mate with the sole         portion.

In another aspect, the hooks are larger than the loops.

In another aspect, the hook panel and the loop panel temporarily mate until a force is applied to separate the panels.

In another aspect, the upper portion further comprises a tongue.

In another aspect, the sole portion further comprises a heel.

In another aspect, the hooks are larger than the loops.

In another aspect, the loop panel has an elongated shape.

In another aspect, the hook panel has an elongated shape.

In another aspect, the hooks and the loops are derived from a hook and loop mechanism.

In another aspect, the footwear comprises an athletic shoe.

In another aspect, the upper mount face affixes to the lasting panel of the upper portions with an adhesive or a stitch.

In another aspect, the sole mount face affixes to the midsole of the sole portion with an adhesive or a stitch.

In another aspect, the loop panel and the hook panel are flexible.

One objective of the present invention is to reduce waste in footwear by enabling multiple upper to be used with a single sole.

Another objective is to facilitate exchanging uppers from the sole through use of a hook and loop fastener, i.e., Velcro™.

Yet another objective is to create greater fashion variety in footwear by allowing the user to easily interchange colors and patterns through new uppers.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture system for interchanging footwear uppers on a shoe body.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system for interchanging footwear uppers for a shoe body, showing the upper portions and the sole portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion fully separated from the sole portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion being joined with the sole portion as the hook panel and the sole panel mate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion being joined with the sole portion, as completed from FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion fully detached from the sole portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion fully separated from the sole portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for interchanging footwear uppers from a sole, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A system 100 and method 700 for interchanging footwear uppers for a shoe body 102 is referenced in FIGS. 1-7. The system 100 and method for interchanging footwear uppers, hereafter “system 100” leverages the fastening capacity of a hook and loop fastener, i.e., Velcro™, to detachably mate one or more upper portions 106 of a shoe body 102 to a sole portion 104, such that multiple upper portions 106 can be interchanged on a single, reusable sole portion 104.

As referenced in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a shoe body 102, as recognized in the art of footwear, which substantially covers and protects the foot. The system 100 enhances the ornamental aspect of the shoe body 102 by enabling one or more upper portions 106 to the sole portion 104. The reusability of the shoe body 102 is also enhanced for the same reason. In some embodiments, the shoe body 102 is an athletic shoe fabricated substantially from synthetic polymer materials. The shoe body 102 may also include a dress shoe, a hiking boot, a tennis shoe, a dancing shoe, a bowling shoe, a sandal, and other footwear known in the art that have at least an upper portion and a sole.

The shoe body 102 comprises one or more upper portions 106 that protect the upper part of the foot, and a sole portion 104 that lays parallel with the sole of the foot. Both the upper portion and the sole portion work in conjunction to substantially cover the foot. In some embodiments, the upper portions 106 comprising a lasting panel 200, a toe box 108, a vamp 110, and a quarter 112. The lasting panel 200 lies flat, forming an underlying boundary for the vamp 110, quarter 112, toe box 108, and other components of the upper portion 106. In some embodiments, a tongue and shoe laces may also be included for more formal shoe bodies. In yet other embodiments, only a sole portion 104 and straps, may be used for sandals and other simple styles of footwear.

Opposing the upper portions 106 is a corresponding sole portion 104. The sole portion 104 includes an outsole 114 and a midsole 116. In some embodiments, the sole portion 104 also includes a heel attached to the outsole 114. The sole portion 104 is flat and at least partially flexible. The outsole 114 and midsole 116 face each other in a parallel mated engagement. The system 100 enables multiple upper portions 106 to be mated with a single sole portion 104.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the system 100 also includes a loop panel 202, which can include an elongated, flexible material that has substantially the same shape as the lasting panel 200 of the upper portions 106. The loop panel 202 has a loop face 204 and an opposing upper mount face 208. The loop panel 202 is flat, elongated, and sized to align with the lasting panel 200 of the upper portions 106.

In some embodiments, the loop face 204 includes a plurality of loops 206. These loops 206 are relatively small, as are often used in a hook and loop fastener, i.e., Velcro™. The upper mount face 208 is designed to fixedly join with the lasting panel 200 of the upper portions 106 in a parallel relationship. In some embodiments, the upper mount face 208 affixes to the lasting panel 200 of the upper portions 106 with an adhesive or a stitch.

The hook panel 210 has a hook face 212 and an opposing sole mount face 216. In some embodiments, the hook panel 210 is elongated and flexible. The hook face 212 comprises a plurality of hooks 214 that are sized and dimensioned to removably catch in the loops 206 of the loop face 204. This mating relationship allows the hook face 212 and the loop face 204 to temporarily mate. In one non-limiting embodiment, the hooks 214 are larger than the loops 206.

Further, the sole mount face 216 is sized and dimensioned to fixedly join with the midsole 116 of the sole portion 104 in an affixed, parallel relationship. In some embodiments, the sole mount face 216 affixes to the midsole 116 of the sole portion 104 with an adhesive or a stitch. However, in other embodiments, a magnet or other fastening means known in the art of footwear may be used.

When affixed thereto, the opposing hook face 212 of the hook panel 210 is oriented to detachably mate with the loop face 204 of the loop panel 202. This unique hook and loop relationship between the hook panel 210 and the loop panel 202 allows multiple upper portions 106 to detachably mate with the sole portion 104. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion fully separated from the sole portion. And FIG. 3 shows the upper portion being re-mated with the sole portion, with the hooks 214 and loops 206 reattaching. This attachment-detachment may be performed unlimited times—as the integrity of the hooks 214 and loops 206 remains. In essence, the hook panel 210 and the loop panel 202 detachably and temporarily mate to create a detachable mating relationship between the upper portions 106 and a single sole portion 104.

For example, a tennis shoe-style upper portion may be worn with the sole portion 104 for exercise purposes; and then interchanged with a formal patent leather dress shoe for business purposes. Myriad other combinations of upper portions 106 may also be utilized to create different style designs, and also to reuse the sole portion when the upper portion is worn out. In this manner, the hook panel 210 and the loop panel 202 temporarily mate, until a force is applied to separate the hooks 214 from the loop 206 on their respective panels 210, 202. This is the temporary mating arrangement that allows for interchangeability of upper portions 106. The force to separate the panels 202, 210 may simply be a user manually prying the panels apart.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 700 for interchanging footwear uppers from a sole. The method 700 is operable with a show body 102; allowing the shoe body 102 to be manually divisible between a sole portion and one or more interchangeable upper portions that detachably mate with the sole portion through a hook and loop fastening mechanism, whereby multiple upper portions can be interchanged on a single, reusable sole portion. The method 700 may include an initial Step 702 of providing one or more upper portions comprising a lasting panel, a vamp, and a quarter.

The method 700 may further comprise a Step 704 of affixing an elongated, flexible loop panel to the lasting panel of the upper portions, the loop panel defined by a loop face comprising a plurality of loops. The loop panel 202 may be a flexible material that has substantially the same shape as the lasting panel 200 of the upper portions 106. The loop panel 202 has a loop face 204 and an opposing upper mount face 208 that affixes to the lasting panel. A Step 706 includes providing a sole portion comprising an outsole and a midsole.

As FIG. 5 shows, a Step 708 comprises orienting the midsole into alignment with the lasting panel of the upper portions. The sole mount face 216 is sized and dimensioned to fixedly join with the midsole 116 of the sole portion 104 in an affixed, parallel relationship. In some embodiments, the sole mount face 216 affixes to the midsole 116 of the sole portion 104.

A Step 710 includes affixing a hook panel to the outsole, the hook panel comprising a hook face comprising a plurality of hooks, the hooks being sized and dimensioned to removably catch in the loops of the loop face. In some embodiments, a Step 712 may include mating the hook face and the loop face, whereby the hooks and loops temporarily mate (See FIGS. 3-4). The hooks catch into individual loops, and then detach through use of a force.

A Step 714 comprises wearing the footwear with the joined upper portion and sole portion. The method 700 may further comprise a Step 716 of applying a force to separate the hook panel from the loop panel, whereby the upper portion detaches from the sole portion. A final Step 718 includes mating a loop face from a second loop panel joined to a second upper portion to the loop face from the lop panel of the first sole portion, whereby the hooks and loops temporarily mate.

Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.

In conclusion, a system 100 for interchanging footwear uppers provide a shoe body 102 that is manually divisible between a sole portion 104 and one or more interchangeable upper portions 106. The upper portion 106 utilizes a hook and loop fastening mechanism to detachably mate with a single sole portion. The system 100 comprises a hook panel having multiple hooks, such as those found on Velcro™. The hook panel overlays a top face of the sole portion, with the hooks facing outwardly. The system also provides a loop panel comprising multiple small loops, from the same hook and loop fastener. The loop panel overlays a lasting panel from the upper portions. The hook panel and the loop panel detachably and temporarily mate to create a detachable mating relationship between the upper portions and a single sole portion. Consequently, multiple upper portions can be interchanged on a single, reusable sole portion

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for interchanging footwear uppers, the system comprising: one or more upper portions comprising a lasting panel and a vamp; a loop panel defined by a loop face and an opposing upper mount face, the loop face comprising a plurality of loops, the upper mount face being joined with the lasting panel of the upper portions in an affixed, parallel relationship; a sole portion comprising an outsole and a midsole; and a hook panel defined by a hook face and an opposing sole mount face, the hook face comprising a plurality of hooks, the hooks being sized and dimensioned to removably catch in the loops of the loop face, whereby the hook face and the loop face temporarily mate, the sole mount face being joined with the midsole of the sole portion in an affixed, parallel relationship, whereby multiple upper portions detachably mate with the sole portion.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper portion further comprises a toe box, a quarter, and a tongue.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sole portion further comprises a heel.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the hooks are larger than the loops.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the hook panel and the loop panel temporarily mate until a force is applied to separate the panels.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the hooks and the loops are derived from a hook and loop mechanism.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the loop panel has an elongated shape.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the hook panel has an elongated shape.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the loop panel and the hook panel are flexible.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper mount face affixes to the lasting panel of the upper portions with an adhesive or a stitch.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the sole mount face affixes to the midsole of the sole portion with an adhesive or a stitch.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the footwear comprises an athletic shoe.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper portions are fabricated from a synthetic material.
 14. A system for interchanging footwear uppers, the system comprising: a shoe body having one or more upper portions and a sole portion, the upper portions comprising a lasting panel, a toe box, a vamp, and a quarter, the sole portion comprising an outsole and a midsole; an elongated, flexible loop panel defined by a loop face and an opposing upper mount face, the loop face comprising a plurality of loops, the upper mount face being joined with the lasting panel of the upper portions in an affixed, parallel relationship; and an elongated, flexible hook panel defined by a hook face and an opposing sole mount face, the hook face comprising a plurality of hooks, the hooks being sized and dimensioned to removably catch in the loops of the loop face, whereby the hook face and the loop face temporarily mate until a force is applied to separate the panels, the sole mount face being joined with the midsole of the sole portion in an affixed, parallel relationship, whereby multiple upper portions detachably mate with the sole portion.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the upper portion further comprises a tongue.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the sole portion further comprises a heel.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the hooks are larger than the loops.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the hooks and the loops are derived from a hook and loop mechanism.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the upper portions are fabricated from a synthetic material.
 20. A method for interchanging footwear uppers from a sole, the method comprising: providing one or more upper portions comprising a lasting panel, a vamp, and a quarter; affixing an elongated, flexible loop panel to the lasting panel of the upper portions, the loop panel defined by a loop face comprising a plurality of loops; providing a sole portion comprising an outsole and a midsole; orienting the midsole into alignment with the lasting panel of the upper portions; affixing a hook panel to the outsole, the hook panel comprising a hook face comprising a plurality of hooks, the hooks being sized and dimensioned to removably catch in the loops of the loop face; mating the hook face and the loop face, whereby the hooks and loops temporarily mate; wearing the footwear with the joined upper portion and sole portion; applying a force to separate the hook panel from the loop panel, whereby the upper portion detaches from the sole portion; and mating a loop face from a second loop panel joined to a second upper portion to the loop face from the lop panel of the first sole portion, whereby the hooks and loops temporarily mate. 